Friday, 21 May 2010

Imagine my frustration when reading the latest version of the Local Development Framework (LDF) which will be presented to the Business Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee next Thursday. At the end of last year, 271 people from New Barnet took the time to send their views on the LDF and the overwhelming view was we don't was a mixed use commercial development (for which read supermarket and flats) in New Barnet. We duly went through the consultation on the New Barnet Town Centre Framework where again opinion was overwhelmingly against new retail development in New Barnet. Yet the latest draft of the LDF published yesterday states clearly that New Barnet is a priority town centre "having a character more appropriate to higher density mixed use development". It has not waited for the Town Centre Framework to be published and to incorporate those policies. It has cleverly deleted a few words but the rump of the issues remain outstanding.

Yet again the Council are bulldozing through a policy which local people simply do not want. So much for consultation!

Saturday, 8 May 2010

With the elections over I suspect we can now expect to see Tesco and Asda sticking in their planning applications. If they do, I hope our newly elected councillors will stick to their promises of opposing any new superstore development in New Barnet. I also hope they will urge council officers to reconsider their desire to "intensify" housing along East Barnet Road which will mean family houses being pulled down and replaced with blocks of flats.

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Many Barnet residents were, and remain, deeply unhappy about the way in which Barnet Council is run. Amongst many of the concerns expressed is the character and integrity of those who were elected to represent residents in the one organisation that effects all our daily lives; and is paid for from our taxes.

Set out below are the seven key principles that should apply to all aspects of public life as set down by the Committee for Standards in Public Life.

Now when reading them please consider and think very carefully. Do you believe that the Barnet Councillors seeking re-election have lived up to these standards in both the letter and the spirit of the principles over the past four years?

If you do, then vote with a clear conscience that your selection will, at the very least, be qualified for continuing public life.

If not; then surely you must vote for the people who will not only live up to these standards but embrace them wholeheartedly and unequivocally. The independent candidates supported by The Residents' Association of Barnet candidates, are these people.

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE

SELFLESSNESS - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

INTEGRITY - Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

OBJECTIVITY - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

ACCOUNTABILITY - Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

OPENNESS -Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

HONESTY - Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

LEADERSHIP - Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.